With the nation’s eyes on Weinstein’s case, prosecutors said Det. Nicholas DiGaudio convinced one of the women who alleged sexual assault against the disgraced Hollywood producer to delete sensitive material from her cell phone. DiGaudio allegedly coached the woman to expunge important information from her mobile before she gave it to prosecutors, they said in a letter to Weinstein’s lawyers made public on Wednesday (Oct. 17). The phone may have contained potential material gathered during the time that the woman interacted with Weinstein.

This is the second allegation against DiGaudio, who prosecutors also said was guilty of witness coaching which led to a part of the case being dismissed last week, The Associated Press reported.

BREAKING: New York prosecutors say police detective under scrutiny in Harvey Weinstein case urged accuser to delete info from her phone.

Lucia Evans, one of the women with a claim against Weinstein, was involved in the segment of the case which was dismissed last week. DiGaudio, one of two investigators who escorted Weinstein into court after his May arrest, told a witness to be quiet about doubts whether Evans’ alleged sexual encounter with Weinstein was consensual, prosecutors said.

Expectingly, Benjamin Brafman, Weinstein’s lawyer, vehemently denied prosecutors’ statements. It’s unclear what will be done about addressing the alleged misconduct pertaining to Weinstein, who was initially charged in New York with attacking three women. After the part of the case involved Evans was dismissed, Weinstein faces three charges for alleged rape in 2013 and two for allegedly performing a forcible sex act on a different woman in 2006. He has pleaded not guilty.

Weinstein’s case has drawn comparisons to Bill Cosby‘s case, which led to the disgraced actor’s conviction and sentencing last month. Weinstein was reportedly fired from his company and went to a rehab facility for sexual addiction. Lawyers for Cosby cited that racial discrimination played a role in Cosby’s prosecution. Social media users have said that White men like Trump and Weinstein have yet to receive significant punishment for sexual assault acts connected to them. Statistics have shown how racial bias has influenced trial outcomes for Black defendants.

It’s clear that many people want all offenders, regardless of race, to be held accountable for assault.

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Continue reading The NBA Is Back! Here Are LeBron James, Other Players’ Big Moments Of Activism For The Culture

The NBA Is Back! Here Are LeBron James, Other Players' Big Moments Of Activism For The Culture

The 2018-2019 NBA season has officially begun with the first game between the Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics, as well as another between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Golden State Warriors, on Tuesday (Oct. 16). Fans are surely excited about the games but may also be looking forward to seeing what players like LeBron James will do with their activism.
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League players have spoken out in recent years about several issues: police brutality, Trump's travel ban, Colin Kaepernick's battle with the NFL and more. If history is any indication, players will likely raise their voices again for the culture this NBA season.
Perhaps James will rock sneakers with empowering messages like the kicks he wore with the word "Equality" last December. James, joined by Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul and Dwayne Wade, could also send another powerful message at the 2019 ESPY Awards next July as they did at this year's show.
"It’s not about being a role model, it’s not about our responsibility to the tradition of activism,” James said at the ESPY awards in July. “I know tonight we’re honoring Muhammad Ali, the GOAT, but to do his legacy any justice, let’s use this moment as call to action for all professional athletes to educate ourselves, explore these issues, speak up, use our influence and renounce all violence…”
Here is a look back on some of James and other NBA players' big moments of activism.